The Denver Nuggets might need to find their replacement for the departed Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, another key player from their 2023 championship run. Caldwell-Pope joins Bruce Brown and Jeff Green as the key departures and many are wondering if Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray have enough firepower to compete in the loaded Western Conference that also features the Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder. The player the Nuggets could shockingly target is Jimmy Butler, the man who could be questioning his future in Miami right now.
Butler’s future is uncertain with the Miami Heat after Pat Riley questioned his franchise player and it did not get much better when the superstar has to “meet challenges” set by the organization. Butler is still one of the best two-way stars in the NBA and if the Denver Nuggets want to become the favorites in the West again, they must consider this blockbuster trade proposal.
Trade Details
Denver Nuggets Receive: Jimmy Butler
Miami Heat Receive: Michael Porter Jr., Zeke Nnaji, Julian Strawther, DaRon Holmes, 2026 First-Round Pick Swap, 2031 First-Round Pick (DEN)
This is a trade that would shake the foundation of the Western Conference and also provide a new avenue for the Heat to focus on, but let’s break down how this works out for all parties.
Denver Nuggets Create The Best Starting Lineup In The NBA
By acquiring Jimmy Butler, the Denver Nuggets would immediately boast one of the most formidable starting lineups in the entire league. Already led by three-time MVP Nikola Jokic and star point guard Jamal Murray, adding Butler gives the Nuggets a legitimate two-way star capable of dominating on both ends of the court. Butler, who averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists during the 2023-24 season, thrives in high-pressure situations, as evidenced by his numerous playoff heroics, including leading the Heat to the NBA Finals twice in four years. His ability to defend the league's best wings while providing consistent offense makes him the perfect complement to Jokic and Murray.
Butler would slot in seamlessly as the defensive anchor for a Nuggets squad that lost key role players in Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Bruce Brown. The Nuggets’ already elite offense, which ranked fifth in offensive rating last season with 118.5, would become even more lethal with Butler's playmaking and shot creation. On top of that, Butler’s intensity and leadership bring an edge that Denver has been missing since their 2023 title run. Pairing him with Jokic, who’s widely considered the most versatile big man in the game, and Murray’s dynamic scoring ability would give the Nuggets the most balanced and well-rounded starting five in the league.
On the defensive end, Butler would elevate Denver's perimeter defense, a crucial area of concern after losing Caldwell-Pope. His defensive tenacity and ability to lock down elite scorers could allow the Nuggets to more effectively contend with Western Conference rivals like the Timberwolves and Thunder. With Butler on board, Denver’s starting lineup of Jokic, Murray, Butler, Aaron Gordon, and a likely fifth starter (likely Christian Braun) could become the most fearsome in the NBA, capable of dominating on both ends of the floor.
Miami Heat Move On From Butler, Get Younger And Deeper
For the Miami Heat, moving on from Jimmy Butler is a monumental decision, but one that allows the franchise to hit the reset button and get younger. By trading Butler, the Heat bring in Michael Porter Jr., a 26-year-old forward with some All-Star potential. Porter averaged 16.7 points and 7.0 rebounds per game last season while shooting an impressive 39.7% from three-point range. His ability to stretch the floor and score at all three levels gives the Heat an offensive weapon to build around. Porter’s injury history is a concern, but if he can stay healthy, he could evolve into Miami's go-to scorer for years to come.
In addition to Porter, Miami would gain valuable young pieces like Zeke Nnaji and Julian Strawther. Nnaji, a promising 23-year-old big man, has shown flashes of being a capable rim protector and rebounder, while Strawther provides Miami with a 6'7" wing who has the potential to develop into a 3-and-D contributor. DaRon Holmes, the No. 22 overall pick int he 2024 Draft, also brings some youth and potential as a 6’9” forward.
The Heat also receive a 2026 first-round pick swap and a 2031 first-round pick, giving them future draft capital to continue their rebuild or make moves for other star players. This influx of young talent, combined with Miami’s knack for player development under Erik Spoelstra, could allow the Heat to quickly retool and remain competitive in the Eastern Conference.
Though parting ways with Butler is tough, it allows Miami to diversify their roster and prepare for a future without the 34-year-old star. This move creates more cap flexibility while giving players like Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo more opportunities to grow as leaders. While Butler’s departure might signal the end of an era, the Heat are known for their ability to bounce back and could emerge as a more balanced, younger squad ready to build toward their next championship run.
A Blockbuster Trade That Catapults The Nuggets To The Top
This trade would undoubtedly send shockwaves throughout the NBA, immediately catapulting the Denver Nuggets to the top of the championship contenders list. Adding Butler to a roster that already features two of the game’s brightest stars in Jokic and Murray creates a juggernaut in the Western Conference. The Nuggets were already on the cusp of greatness, winning the 2023 NBA title, but the departure of key role players left some questioning whether they could repeat. Butler fills that void and then some, bringing the star power, experience, and grit needed to defend their crown.
For the Nuggets, giving up Michael Porter Jr. is a significant sacrifice, but one that makes sense for a team looking to maximize their championship window. Porter’s talent is undeniable, but his injury concerns and defensive limitations make Butler a more reliable fit for a team with title aspirations. Butler’s proven ability to elevate his play in the postseason (where he averaged 26.9 points per game during the 2023 playoffs) gives Denver the veteran leadership and clutch factor needed to navigate a stacked Western Conference. With Butler, Jokic, and Murray forming a new Big Three, Denver would instantly become the favorites to win it all in 2025.
This blockbuster trade does more than just make the Nuggets title contenders—it sends a message to the rest of the league. Denver is all-in on building a dynasty, and with Butler in the fold, they would have the firepower, defensive toughness, and leadership to do just that. The combination of Jokic’s playmaking, Murray’s scoring, and Butler’s two-way brilliance would give Denver one of the most complete teams in the league, positioning them for years of sustained success.
